2:1 (or international equivalent) in psychology, providing Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership of the British Psychological Society; plus experience of working with children/young people with sustained levels of responsibility for a minimum of one year.

Other requirements

Applicants must apply for Disclosure and Barring Service clearance if accepted, and during training confirm fitness to practice if applying for Health and Care Professions Council registration once qualified

UK resident applicants can apply for funding through the Clearing House – further information can be found at aep.org.uk/training; for UK/EU fees if you are self-funding the course, contact ruth.chapman@nottingham.ac.uk - Terms apply

Health and Care Professions Council

Successful completion of this programme provides eligibility to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

It is a legal requirement that anyone who wishes to practise using a title protected by the Health and Social Work Professions Order 2001 is on the HCPC register. For more information, visit the HCPC website.

The term HCPC approved applies only to those programmes which have been approved by the HCPC's Education and Training Committee (ETC) and which appear on the HCPC list of approved programmes.

Studying at the University of Nottingham

The University of Nottingham programme possesses a number of unique characteristics that combine to provide a distinctive, forward-looking and high quality professional preparation in educational psychology. It holds at its heart the link between theory and practice.

Programme graduates will be able to:

operate with a strong knowledge base in applied and theoretical psychology

develop models of practice which are informed by those links

employ problem-solving approaches at an individual, group and organisational level

integrate a range of personal and professional skills to enable the delivery of the role

work flexibly and adaptively across a range of settings and situations, showing sensitivity to equality and diversity

operate with a confident knowledge of research methods.

The location of the programme within the School of Psychology is distinctive and provides trainees with a deep theoretical understanding of their work. The programme provides the opportunity to meet leading practitioners and researchers.

The School of Psychology is a preeminent department, ranked in the top 10 in the UK for research power at the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF 2014) exercise.

The University of Nottingham achieved a Gold award for Teaching Excellence in 2017.

The Educational Psychology Group at the University of Nottingham has an established record of influential teaching, and of publications written by staff and students. The programme has strong working relationships with professional educational psychologists employed by the regional Local Authorities and other settings.

Entry requirements

Applicants to this programme should possess a minimum 2:1 honours degree in psychology, or equivalent, which the British Psychological Society has recognised as providing Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership.

The relevant degree must be at the 2:1 level or above. Degrees classified 2:2 may be supplemented by masters-level degrees or above.

Candidates should be able to demonstrate that they have gained relevant experience of working with children and young people in which sustained levels of responsibility have been maintained, normally for a minimum period of one year prior to applying the course. This experience could be in any settings where responsibility for an aspect of children’s development can be taken, for example, working in roles in education, care or community settings.

How to apply

Application for those eligible for UK funding is through the Clearing House managed by the Association of Educational Psychologists, and interviews for successful applicants take place in early spring each year. Selection days typically comprise interviews with a tutor and field practitioner, a brief presentation, and a written and small group task.

For those not eligible for UK funding, application is through the University.

The deadline for receipt of self-funding applications is 1 April for September entry.

Applied psychologists must be able to anticipate and respond to the needs of a society in flux. We strongly welcome applicants who reflect and represent the full diversity of the population.

Full course details

The DAppEdPsy programme is delivered on a full-time basis over three years.

The programme comprises three strands:

taught academic modules

professional fieldwork placements

research component.

Through these programme elements graduates reach the HCPC’s Standards of Proficiency for Practitioner Psychologists (Educational). The programme also meets the HCPC’s Standards of Education and Training, and the terms of BPS accreditation.

Course delivery

A core tutor team in the Educational Psychology Group provide teaching and tutoring to the programme. The programme also draws upon the special expertise of practitioner educational psychologists, and other professionals.

Supervision is an essential part of training at Nottingham. Trainees have a nominated university supervisor, as well as a placement tutor. Trainees receive regular individual tutorial and supervisory support, to facilitate their integration of the theoretical, professional and research components of the programme.

The course is delivered through seminars and private study. Workshops incorporate simulation activities and experiential learning. Problem-Based Learning approaches inform a number of taught elements. The programme promotes sensitivity to equality and diversity issues in its processes and content, throughout.

We believe that a course of applied training is part of a broader perspective of professional development, which does not culminate at graduation. The programme therefore employs some approaches that support continuing learning, providing trainees with methods to support their subsequent professional practice.

Placements

Each trainee placement is supervised by a named HCPC registered Practitioner Psychologist.

Year one

In year one, trainees are on supervised placements for one day per week throughout the year in educational psychology services, with some supplementary placement weeks.

Years two and three

In years two and three trainees undertake placements of 130 days per each year, typically supported by a Local Authority bursary, in educational psychology services.

Trainee placements can be located in the East Midlands region, or beyond, by trainee request, depending upon availability.

All placements follow guidance provided by the University to trainees and supervisors, linking placement activities to modular learning.

Research

Trainees follow a bespoke programme of Applied Research Methods training in year one.

Research is undertaken during years two and three, for the thesis submission for examination in May of year three.

Assessment

Modules are assessed by written assignments, focused case studies or presentations.

Placements are supported and evaluated through 3-way meetings involving trainee, university tutor, and placement supervisor.

Assessment is through Portfolio, including a Professional Development Log of competencies.

Modules

You will study the following core modules:

Year one

Structures, Systems and Services for Young People

Educational Psychology in Practice

Principles and Practice in Assessment I

Interpersonal and Group Skills

The Development of Literacy

Facilitating Learning I: Interventions for Learning

Developmental Psychology in a School and Family Context

Vulnerable Young People: Troubled and Challenging Behaviour in Schools

Applied Research Methods

Year two

Facilitating Learning II: Interventions for Wellbeing

The Education of Children with Severe and Complex Difficulties

Principles and Practice in Assessment II

Strategic Psychology in Schools and other settings

Applied Research Methods

Year three

Vulnerable Young People: Family and Community Context

Educational Psychologists in Local Authorities and Other Settings

Applied Research Methods

The modules we offer are inspired by the research interests of our staff and as a result may change for reasons of, for example, research developments or legislation changes. This list is an example of typical modules we offer, not a definitive list.

Funding

UK/EU students

Applicants who are resident in the United Kingdom are able to apply for funding through the Educational Psychology Funded Training scheme, which is administered by the Association of Educational Psychologists on behalf of the National College for Training and Leadership, Special Educational Needs and Disability Division.

There are currently 12 funded places available. Funding covers tuition fees throughout all 3 years of the programme and a stipend of £15,950 in Year 1 to cover living costs.

In Years 2 and 3 of the programme trainees secure funded professional placements, usually through bursary schemes.

It is possible for students to finance themselves privately, but in this case they will be liable for tuition fees and will also be required to provide evidence to the University that they have adequate means of support.

International and EU students

Research scholarships are available for outstanding international and EU students. You must already have an offer to study at Nottingham to apply. Please note closing dates to ensure your course application is submitted in good time.

Careers and professional development

Graduates of this programme seek employment as Educational Psychologists subject to registration as Practitioner Psychologists (Educational) with the HCPC.

These are exciting times to work as an educational psychologist. The Children and Families Act 2014, and the current focus upon mental health and wellbeing for young people make the role of applied psychologist even more important.

The School of Psychology at Nottingham offers exciting prospects for educational psychologists. Children, their families and carers, teachers, schools and other settings, and Local Authorities look to support from psychologists whose training and personal qualities have equipped them for these new roles and challenges. In a time of rapid societal change, the problem-solving approach of the programme equips Nottingham trainees to respond creatively to the challenges the role brings them.

Nottingham and graduates have been particularly successful at interviews over recent years and are highly sought after by many educational psychology services.

The University of Nottingham is a research-led institution, which provides the highest quality learning environment, and is committed to equal opportunities in employment.

Average starting salary and career progression

Career prospects in educational psychology are good, with opportunities for progression to management tiers, or to specialist roles, both within Local Authorities and other settings.

In 2017, 94.7% of postgraduates in the school who were available for employment had secured work or further study within six months of graduation. The average starting salary was £28,000 with the highest being £40,000.*

* Known destinations of full-time home postgraduates 2016/17. Salaries are calculated based on the median of those in full-time paid employment within the UK.

Career prospects and employability

The University of Nottingham is consistently named as one of the most targeted universities by Britain’s leading graduate employers.

Ranked in the top 10 in The Graduate Market 2013-2017 – High Fliers Research

Those who take up a postgraduate research opportunity with us will not only receive support in terms of close contact with supervisors and specific training related to your area of research, you will also benefit from dedicated careers advice from our Careers and Employability Service.

Our Careers and Employability Service offers a range of services including advice sessions, employer events, recruitment fairs and skills workshops – and once you have graduated, you will have access to the service for life.

DisclaimerThis online prospectus has been drafted in advance of the academic year to which it applies. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information is accurate at the time of publishing, but changes (for example to course content) are likely to occur given the interval between publishing and commencement of the course. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply for the course where there has been an interval between you reading this website and applying.